Remembering Harry Belafonte

Harry Belafonte, a singer, actor, and civil rights activist, passed away at his home on Tuesday, April 25 2023 due to complications with congestive heart failure at the age of 95. Throughout his life, Belafonte used his artistic talents to advocate for social justice and civil rights, and he became a prominent figure in the movement for racial equality in the United States.

Belafonte was born in Harlem, New York, on March 1, 1927, to Jamaican parents. He grew up in poverty and experienced racism and discrimination firsthand. Despite these challenges, Belafonte pursued a career in entertainment and became a successful singer, with hits such as "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" and "Jump in the Line."

Throughout his career, Belafonte used his platform to support civil rights causes. He was a close friend and ally of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and helped to organize the March on Washington in 1963. He also participated in the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965 and was a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War.

In addition to his activism, Belafonte was a trailblazer in the entertainment industry. He was the first African American to win an Emmy award and the first to produce a TV special. He also acted in films such as "Carmen Jones" and "Buck and the Preacher."

Belafonte's contributions to civil rights and social justice were recognized with numerous honors, including the National Medal of Arts and the Kennedy Center Honors. He was also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and worked to promote humanitarian causes around the world.

Belafonte's legacy as a performer and activist will continue to inspire future generations. His dedication to justice and equality serves as a reminder of the power of art to effect change and create a better world for all.